Mature trees
contribute to the quality of life in Mill Creek by lending an
aesthetically pleasing image to the City’s landscape, helping reduce
greenhouse gases and providing wildlife habitat.
In addition, trees help prevent erosion on steep slopes and
stream banks. As such, the City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan
promotes the preservation of mature trees and the Development Code has
restrictions on removing trees.
Additionally, many developments within the City have tree
preservation plans identifying specific trees that must be preserved
and/or property buffers where trees are to be retained.
Even though trees add to the quality of life, sometimes a particular tree will become diseased or hazardous and the property owner may determine that the tree should be removed. In such cases, all trees that are six inches or larger in diameter measured at the height of four and one-half feet require a tree removal permit prior to removal.
In considering a tree removal request, the City reviews property records to determine if a tree was required to be preserved when the development was originally approved and often must assess the condition of the tree. Sometimes the City will require the property owner to provide an arborist report to determine the health of the tree. In addition, all trees in critical area buffers, roadway buffers, or property buffers require a permit regardless of size.
The City permit must be issued prior to removal.
There is no charge for a Tree Removal Permit.
An application for tree removal
can be obtained at City Hall or can be downloaded and printed from this
link
tree permit.
Failure to obtain a
permit before removing the tree may result in a fine of $1,000 per tree
and replacement trees will be required at a ratio of 3 new trees for
each tree illegally removed.
Most Homeowners Associations also require that you obtain their approval
prior to removal of any trees.
A tree permit is not
required for pruning trees; however, proper pruning is essential.
Incorrect pruning can ultimately impact the health and safety of
the tree. Following are
several good links for information on the proper methods and timing for
pruning:
Pruning Landscape Trees,
Washington State University Extension
Tree Pruning in the Puget Sound Region,
City of Seattle
How to Prune Coniferous Evergreen Trees, University of Idaho College of Agriculture
